Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade mechanical keyboard switches, there are key differences to consider. The Crystal Brown is known for its tactile feedback, while the Silent Yellow Jade stands out for its quiet, tactile typing experience with a satisfying thocky sound. The Crystal Brown falls under the category of tactile switches, whereas the Silent Yellow Jade is categorized as a silent switch. If you're looking for a switch that provides subtle tactile feedback without a loud clicking noise, the Silent Yellow Jade might be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a different tactile experience, the Crystal Brown could be a great choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, it is evident that both switches use nylon for their bottom housing. This choice of material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound and produce a duller, rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound on both switches.
On the other hand, the top housing materials differ between the two switches, with the Crystal Brown featuring a polycarbonate top housing and the Silent Yellow Jade utilizing a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is described as creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, while nylon is known for its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This contrast in top housing material suggests that the Crystal Brown may produce a clearer and more resonant sound compared to the Silent Yellow Jade, which may offer a slightly muffled and rounder sound.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade plays a significant role in defining the sound profiles of each switch. The combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Crystal Brown creates a unique typing experience that emphasizes clear and sharp sound profiles during both keypress and release. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade's use of nylon for both top and bottom housing results in a typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile that may feel slightly softer compared to the Crystal Brown. Despite these differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience tailored to individual preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force, with the Crystal Brown having a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Silent Yellow Jade has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Crystal Brown switch provides a slightly lighter typing experience overall, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a more substantial and firm feel with a heavier actuation and bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Crystal Brown has a longer travel distance compared to the Silent Yellow Jade. The difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the typing experience. Those who prefer a more traditional and deeper key press may opt for the Crystal Brown, while those looking for a shallower and quicker response may lean towards the Silent Yellow Jade. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $3.10. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Crystal Brown and Silent Yellow Jade.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch is known for its quiet operation compared to traditional mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a quiet typing experience with a distinct "thocky" sound, thanks to its unique translucent jade yellow housing. Depending on the other components you pair these switches with, such as your keyboard and keycaps, the sound produced can vary significantly.
Moving on to the feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch provides a tactile typing experience without being overly clicky. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a tactile bump that is both satisfying and punchy, providing a responsive typing feel. The factory-lubed nature of the Silent Yellow Jade switch also contributes to a smoother keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal Brown and Silent Yellow Jade switches both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Crystal Brown switch is known for its quieter operation, the Silent Yellow Jade switch stands out for its quiet yet tactile typing experience with a distinct sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of how you prioritize sound, feel, and overall typing experience. However, both switches are solid options for those seeking a tactile typing experience with varying sound profiles.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force, the Crystal Brown with 55 grams may be more suitable for you. Additionally, if you value a traditional tactile typing experience without the loud noise, the Crystal Brown may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams and enjoy a quieter typing experience with a unique "thocky" sound, the Silent Yellow Jade may be more appealing to you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing comfort and sound level.
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